New fee reductions offer meaningful savings for families this winter

SANTA FE, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across New Mexico during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits.

 "Here in New Mexico, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources," said BLM New Mexico State Director Melanie Barnes.  "These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health."

These actions align with the Trump administration's mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

Effective immediately, the BLM New Mexico will:

Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.

Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees.

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, Tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance on the BLM New Mexico Christmas tree permits website. 

Permits and maps may be obtained online at forestproducts.blm.gov for some locations and over the counter at the following BLM Offices:

Rio Puerco Field Office

100 Sun Ave., NE, Suite 330

Albuquerque, NM 87109

(505) 761-8700

Socorro Field Office

901 S. Old U.S. Hwy 85

Socorro, NM 87801

(575) 835-0412

New Mexico State Office

301 Dinosaur Trail

Santa Fe, NM 87508

(505) 954-2000

Farmington Field Office

6251 College Blvd

Farmington, NM 87402

(505) 564-7600

Taos Field Office

1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

Taos, NM 87571-5983

(575) 758-8851

For more information about Christmas tree permits, please contact your local BLM office or the BLM New Mexico State Office at 505-954-2000.